Walker eager to show his credentials

While his Leeds side have made a slow start to their Championship campaign, England U20s flanker Chris Walker insists he is ready to make the step up at both club and international level.

The 19-year-old has had to fill the void left by England openside Hendre Fourie who has departed to Sale while several other leaders within the Headingley outfit have also moved on.

And after falling short in last year's Junior World Championship final in Italy, Walker is adamant England can finally break their duck.

He said: "I want to get into the starting squad and then our ambition for an England squad has got to be to stay unbeaten. I've spoken to some of the guys already and they are all really focused and think they can do a job.

"Two years ago in South Africa we were very unlucky to lose at U18 level but we saw there the drive and ambition, not just of the Six Nations teams but any team in the world.

"Every training camp is a trial, you are always getting tested. You're representing England so it's going to be tough and you should be tested.

"I was in the U19s last year. It's really a stepping stone age group. It was a good experience though.

"It's been difficult at Leeds so far this season. But it was always going to be difficult when you look at the age of our squad and we've lost a lot of experience. It's down to us young boys to step up now."